Make a choice, take a stance on Meijer

We’ve seen this before here in Manitowoc County and the City of Manitowoc, and then across Wisconsin.

The story is always the same — the government is broke and needs cash so we must sell off publicly owned property to expand the tax base and reduce debt. They say there is no choice. I disagree.

We saw it in the sale of the Manitowoc County Health Care Center, which in the end reduced no debt at all while squandering a $15 million investment. In Sheboygan, Herb Kohler wants to grab part of Kohler-Andrae State Park for yet another golf course. Statewide, Gov. Scott Walker passed an agenda to sell off 10,000 acres of public land including prime hunting land and parks. On the city level, dual office holder Jim Brey attempted to sell off our 100-year investment in its public utilities system to cover losses that occurred on his watch.

Now, we see a proposal to sell off a major chunk of the Manitowoc County Fairgrounds to Meijer Foods, which again is supported not only by Brey, but Mayor Justin Nickels, who apparently sees only dollar signs. As always, this and nothing else should be considered.

Whatever short-term gains there might be, the money will quickly disappear into the general budget while the land, its institutions and traditions will be lost forever. When it's all gone, what will be left?

We are witnessing the systematic looting of the public commons. It's time to make your choice while there is still something left to choose.